Vanessa Coulbeck is a PhD candidate and Research Associate at the University of Toronto’s Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre. She leads and collaborates on national and international projects spanning youth mental health, physical activity promotion, body image, and sport for development. Vanessa currently directs research project management for The ReThinkSport Project, a pioneering initiative aimed at improving youth sport participation and access, especially for girls.

Her work bridges academia, innovation, and social impact, focusing on evidence-informed strategies that foster self-compassion, confidence, and healthy body relationships in young people. Vanessa is also founder of a physical activity tech startup dedicated to community-building through movement and the author of The Mirror Diaries, a book series blending storytelling with practical exercises to help girls embrace self-kindness and body positivity.